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I had a recommender who really went above and beyond in terms of helping me secure a good clerkship. I've done work for them as an RA, but nonetheless I'm wondering if in this circumstance it's appropriate to get them some small token. Thoughts?

I don't think it's necessary - it's part of what faculty do - but it's not inappropriate. The wine/local product idea is a good one, or nice chocolates, or coffee (say, in a nice mug), that kind of thing. But even just a card would probably be sufficient.

I had a professor call me into his office to return a thank you gift I had left with his secretary (or something along those lines). He said that his time at the DOJ made him very reserved about receiving any gifts, but he didn't suggest at all that it was inappropriate. I think you'd be fine to do it.